Differences in vocalisations, morphology and mtDNA support species status for New Zealand saddleback Philesturnus spp

摘要: Appropriate definitions of species limits are critical for scientific study and conservation management. Many subspecies birds defined on the basis phenotypic variation. However, it has been suggested that following close examination many these will be recognised as good species. North Island (NI) (Philesturnus rufusater) South (SI) saddlebacks (P. carunculatus) differ in plumage apparent vulnerability to introduced predators and, until recently, were considered subspecific. Here, we formally compare vocalisations, morphology mtDNA between NI SI saddlebacks. We show significant differences male song chatter calls which fundamental saddleback vocalisations. A discriminant analysis correctly allocated 90% based significantly larger tarsus, weight wing measurements relative Finally, molecular data c. 5% sequence divergence two groups. concur with previous work elevating ...